Carved gable figure, 'tekoteko'

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Gable figure, tekoteko, 19th century
New Zealand, Maori people
Wood

Donor unrecorded
Museum number 9999-475

This is from a large communal meeting house, an important focal point for the community. The tekoteko or man-like figure represents the tribe's ancestor whose mana or protective power was believed to surround the structure and courtyard.